RE Seminar: John Elliott
Date: Thursday, October 21, 2010
Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Venue: Beck 198
John Elliott
Associate Professor
Cornell University
Professor Elliott is researching the idea of “Nature inside” both in a theoretical sense and in a practical sense. In the theoretical domain, he is interested in those aspects of material culture of the built environment that express a society’s set of values as they pertain to the natural world, especially regarding environmental ethics and aesthetics. He is currently investigating the idea of a “green aesthetic” where a designs ethical program is expressed in its appearance. In the practical domain, Professor Elliott uses the design project to “pull” technology in a real world context to produce meaningful works. The project prototype is used as a stimulant for design discourse, a conductor for technological developments, and an exemplar for commercial enterprise. More specifically, he is producing a collection of furniture works designed to heighten awareness of various environmental issues associated with their manufacture. He is also using new information technologies to provide innovative ways to add value to waste agriculture and forestry products, while working with businesses and advocacy groups in the Finger Lakes region of New York.